Mondays
1:40-2:10 Level 1 Saxophones: Practice #1.5, 1.6, and 1.8. Optional challenge: practice #1.9 and 1.10. If you forget where your fingers go when you hold the saxophone, look at the middle picture on page 3 of your book for reference.
2:10-2:40 Level 2 Strings A: Practice all of page 28.
2:40-3:10 Level 2 Woodwinds A:
Practice the concert-Bb scale (clarinet: C-D-E-F-G-A-B-C-B-A-G-F-E-D-C; flutes: Bb-C-D-Eb-F-G-A-Bb-A-G-F-Eb-D-C-Bb). Link to flute fingering chart
Practice #3.5 and 3.6.
3:10-3:40 Level 2 Strings B: Practice #100 and 104. Here is the link to the note identification game we played in class.
Wednesdays
9:30-10:00 Level 1 Strings A: Practice the top three exercises on pages 14-16 (that's #58-60, 64-66, and 70-72). Optional: try the bottom three exercises on pages 14-16 (that's #61-63, 67-69, and 73-75). A few reminders:
Make sure you are using your helper hand at all times (that's your left hand, which holds onto the tip).
Make sure you are using a beautiful bow grip. Remember the steps: make a "wolf," place your thumb behind the opening of the frog, hide your thumb with the wolf's snout, turn your wrist like you're pouring a pitcher of water, and rest your pinky on top. There are excellent pictures of what it should look like on the tops of pages 14-16 (remember that the book has you holding in the middle of the bow, but Mr. Klaus wants you holding at the frog).
The homework exercises say you should move your bow on your rosin, but Mr. Klaus wants you moving your bow in the air.
10:00-10:30 Level 1 Woodwinds 5th Grade:
Flutes: Practice "Hot Cross Buns" and "Mary Had a Little Lamb" on page 4 of your book. Use the fingering charts on page 4 under "Making Music" to remember the fingerings for D, C, and Bb. If you forget where your fingers go when you hold the flute, look at the picture on the top of page 3 of your book for reference. If you are having trouble getting a sound to come out, keep practicing blowing into the headjoint.
Saxophone: Practice #1.5, 1.6, and 1.8 in your book. Optional challenge: practice #1.9 and 1.10.
10:30-11:00 Level 2 Percussion: Practice #3.6, 3.7, and 3.7a.
11:00-11:30 Level 1 Flutes: Practice #1.5, 1.6, and 1.8. Optional challenge: practice #1.9 and 1.10.
12:40-1:10 Level 2 Saxophones:
Continue to practice the concert-Bb scale (G-A-B-C-D-E-F#-G-F#-E-D-C-B-A-G).
Practice #3.12 and 3.13. Optional: practice #3.14.
2:10-2:40 Level 1 Clarinets: Practice #1.11 and 1.14.
2:40-3:10 Level 1 Brass A: Practice #1.11 and 1.14.
3:10-3:40 Level 1 Strings B: Practice the bottom three exercises on pages 14-16 (that's #61-63, 67-69, and 73-75).
Thursdays
9:30-10:00 Level 2 Strings C: Practice #100 and 107.
10:00-10:30 Level 1 Brass B: Practice #1.9 and 1.11.
10:30-11:00 Level 1 Strings C: Practice the top three exercises on pages 14-16 (that's #58-60, 64-66, and 70-72). Optional: try the bottom three exercises on pages 14-16 (that's #61-63, 67-69, and 73-75). A few reminders:
Make sure you are using your helper hand at all times (that's your left hand, which holds onto the tip).
Make sure you are using a beautiful bow grip. Remember the steps: make a "wolf," place your thumb behind the opening of the frog, hide your thumb with the wolf's snout, turn your wrist like you're pouring a pitcher of water, and rest your pinky on top. There are excellent pictures of what it should look like on the tops of pages 14-16 (remember that the book has you holding in the middle of the bow, but Mr. Klaus wants you holding at the frog).
The homework exercises say you should move your bow on your rosin, but Mr. Klaus wants you moving your bow in the air.
11:00-11:30 Level 1 Brass C: Practice #1.11 and 1.14.
12:10-12:40 Level 2 Brass:Â
Practice the concert-Bb scale (trumpets: C-D-E-F-G-A-B-C-B-A-G-F-E-D-C; trombones: Bb-C-D-Eb-F-G-A-Bb-A-G-F-Eb-D-C-Bb).
Practice #3.14 and 3.15.
12:40-1:10 Level 2 Woodwinds B: Learn ALL parts (1, 2, 3, and 4) of "Imperial March." Please have your fingering chart (page 55 in your book) next to you when you are practicing.
1:40-2:10 Level 1 Cellos: Practice the bottom three exercises on pages 14-16 (that's #61-63, 67-69, and 73-75).
2:10-2:40 Level 1 Percussion: From the keyboard percussion section of your book: practice #1.5, 1.6, and 1.8. Optional challenge: practice #1.9 and 1.10.
Click here to view the class schedule.
Wednesday, December 16, 7:00 PM: Winter Concert (Chorus, Level 2 Band, and Level 2 Orchestra)
Spring Concert: TBD
All concerts will take place in the auditorium at Rockville High School (2100 Baltimore Rd, Rockville, MD 20851).
Orchestra Supplies
Violin:
music stand (for home use)
shoulder rest (make sure to select the right size for your child’s violin)
Viola:
music stand (for home use)
shoulder rest (make sure to select the right size for your child’s viola - a 12" viola is equivalent to a 1/2 violin, a 13" viola is equivalent to a 3/4 violin, and a 14" viola is equivalent to a 4/4 violin)
Cello:
music stand (for home use)
All orchestra students: String Basics: Steps to Success for String Orchestra, Book 1. This book will be provided for all level 1 students free of charge. Level 2 students who have lost their book from last year should purchase a replacement copy. Make sure you purchase the correct book for your instrument!
Band Supplies
Flute:
music stand (for home use)
Clarinet:Â
music stand (for home use)
extra reeds (suggested: strength 2.5)
Alto Saxophone:
music stand (for home use)
extra reeds (suggested: strength 2.5)
Trumpet:
music stand (for home use)
Trombone:
music stand (for home use)
Euphonium:
music stand (for home use)
Percussion:
music stand (for home use)
snare drum stand if your kit doesn’t come with one (make sure you get the taller one)
All band students: Measures of Success, Book 1. This book will be provided for all level 1 students free of charge. Level 2 students who have lost their book from last year should purchase a replacement copy. Make sure you purchase the correct book for your instrument!
Bethesda Violins (violins and violas only)
Delivery-based business
301-272-1209
11151 Veirs Mill Rd., Wheaton, MD 20902
301-946-8808
Gailes' Violin Shop (string instruments only)
10013 Rhode Island Ave, College Park, MD 20740
301-474-4300
7010 Westmoreland Ave, Takoma Park, MD
301-270-9090
Lashof Violins (string instruments only)
1 East Diamond Ave., Ste. F, Gaithersburg, MD 20877
301-330-2606
L & L Music Wind Shop (brass and woodwind instruments only)
7 Metropolitan Ct., Suite #3, Gaithersburg, MD 20878
301-948-7273
21040 Frederick Rd Suite B, Germantown, MD 20876
301-353-1113
12274 Rockville Pike Suite K, Rockville, MD 20852
301-881-6440
Potter Violins (string instruments only)
7711 Eastern Ave., Takoma Park, MD
830 Muddy Branch Rd., Gaithersburg, MD 20878
301-652-7070
1-800-317-9452
306 E Diamond Ave, Gaithersburg, MD 20877
301-948-7478
One of the best ways to excel on your instrument is to study with a private teacher. Contact Mr. Klaus if you would like a list of local private lesson teachers.
Set aside a specific time and place to practice.
Practice in a room without distractions such as TV, video games, etc.
Practice for short periods of time (10-30 minutes) rather than 90 minutes in one day.
Perform for family members on a regular basis.
Say - Finger - Play
This strategy can help a musician learn a difficult section of music.
First, say the name of the notes you are trying to play. Repeat until all hesitation is gone.
Next, finger the notes on the instrument while saying the name of the note . Repeat until all hesitation is gone.
Finally, play the instrument. You should be able to perform the section better! If not, repeat steps one and two.
This strategy breaks down the many steps a musician must go through to play an instrument.
Use a METRONOME to keep a steady tempo as you practice.
Flash Cards
On one side of an index card, write the name of a note you have learned.
On the other side of the card, draw the musical staff (5 lines), the clef for your instrument (treble, alto, or bass clef), and the note named on the opposite side of the card.
Repeat these steps until you have a stack of cards for every note you have learned on your instrument.
Try the following activities with the flash cards:
A family member can hold up the note side of a flash card and have the student call out the name of the note. Begin by giving a certain amount of seconds to answer. Decrease the amount of time as they get faster at answering.
A family member can hold up the letter side of a flash card and have the student play the note. Again, begin by giving a certain amount of seconds to answer. Decrease the amount of time as they get faster at answering.
The student can also do these activities without a family member by picking a card, answering the question, and turning over the card to see if their answer is correct.
Each family is responsible for obtaining an instrument for their child(ren).
There are four options:
Renting an instrument from a local music store (recommended). Click "Local Music Stores" (below) for a list of reputable vendors in the area.
Purchasing an instrument (not recommended). Please do NOT purchase an instrument without consulting Mr. Klaus first. Most instruments on Amazon are of very poor quality.
Some families are able to obtain an instrument from a friend or relative; if you are unsure of the instrument's suitability, please contact Mr. Klaus.
Sligo Creek has a limited number of school instruments available to loan at no cost to families with financial need. Click here to fill out the form to request an instrument from the school. Please do not fill out this form before exploring option 1 above.
After you obtain an instrument, please click on "Instrument Supplies to Own" (below) to see a list of recommended accessories.
Each family is responsible for obtaining an instrument for their child(ren).
Level 2 percussionists will need a practice pad, drumsticks, and drum stand (optional) - the same as last year. Sligo Creek has a limited number of drum pads and drum sticks available to loan at no cost to families with financial need. Click here to fill out the form to request materials from the school.
Level 1 percussionists will need a kit which includes:
A bell set (also called glockenspiel - like a small xylophone)
A practice pad
Drumsticks and mallets
Bell stand and snare stand
A carrying case (rolling wheels or backpack straps are HIGHLY recommended)
The kit does not need to include a snare drum or any other percussion instrument, as those will only be used in school in preparation for the concert. Please make sure that the kit you obtain includes all of those components. You have several options:
Renting a kit from a local music store. Click "Local Music Stores" (below) for a list of reputable vendors in the area. Vendors will generally refer to what you need as a "bell kit."
Purchasing an kit. You can purchase a kit from any of the vendors linked above. Also, there are several options in Facebook Marketplace and on Amazon, although many of the Amazon kits come with a carrying case that does not include rolling wheels or backpack straps. If you are unsure of the kit's suitability, please contact Mr. Klaus.
Some families are able to obtain a kit from a friend or relative; if you are unsure of the kit's suitability, please contact Mr. Klaus.
Sligo Creek has a very limited number of kits available to loan at no cost to families with financial need. Click here to fill out the form to request a kit from the school. Please do not fill out this form before exploring the other options above.
After you obtain an instrument, please click on "Instrument Supplies to Own" (below) to see a list of recommended accessories.